🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Libreville to host international forum on innovation and development on May 3
via Gabon Review5 min read
Libreville will host the first International Forum for Innovation and Development on May 3, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès. The event, announced by Special Advisor and Presidential Spokesperson Théophane Nzame-Nze Biyoghe and Commissioner General for Exhibitions of Gabon Nina Alida Abouna, will focus on "Political stability, business climate, and artificial intelligence: catalysts for growth." This initiative aims to reposition Gabon as a credible, stable, and innovative player on the international stage, aligning with the dynamic set by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, whose first anniversary in office coincides with the forum. The forum is part of a broader strategy for international outreach and structural transformation of the national economy, highlighting Gabon as a land of opportunities, innovation, and dialogue. The event is expected to gather 1,000 participants, 300 companies, 200 high-level speakers, and representatives from 35 countries, including heads of state, international institutions, investors, and private sector experts. The forum will feature thematic panels, strategic keynotes, agreement signings, and B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings. Expected outcomes include job creation, increased visibility for reforms, the drafting of a "Libreville Declaration," and a report outlining short, medium, and long-term actions to improve the business climate and living conditions. Nina Alida Abouna emphasized that the forum is an engagement to open a new chapter of deman
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
On April 22, 2026, Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema met with Marco Patricio Zambrano Restrepo, the new UNESCO representative in Gabon, to establish the foundation for a partnership between the UN institution and Gabonese authorities. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, including support for the Gabonese school system, increased integration of digital tools in learning, and professional and technical skills development for teachers. The UNESCO representative praised the clarity of the presidential vision, emphasizing the importance of receiving cooperation directives from the President. The meeting also covered culture and science, with a focus on enhancing Gabon's heritage. The possibility of listing new Gabonese sites on UNESCO's World Heritage list was discussed to boost the country's international cultural influence. President Oligui Nguema expressed a desire for UNESCO to intensify its support in both the educational sector and the implementation of structuring projects, aligning cooperation with Gabon's sustainable and inclusive development goals.
Must ReadThe arrest of Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze in Libreville on April 15, the same day Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema arrived in Brazzaville, reportedly led to a cold reception for Oligui Nguema from Denis Sassou-Nguesso. According to Africa Intelligence, the two leaders had a direct but tense confrontation despite the protocol of Sassou-Nguesso's inauguration, which Oligui Nguema attended. Bilie-By-Nze, a former Prime Minister, was arrested for alleged fraud and breach of trust and transferred to central prison. Africa Intelligence identified him as a contact for the Congolese president in Gabon, suspected of receiving financial support. The timing of the arrest is believed to have significantly strained the meeting between the two heads of state, highlighting perceived Congolese interference in Gabonese politics. This event is seen as a message from Libreville to Brazzaville regarding alleged support for its opponents. Omar-Denis Junior Bongo, grandson of Sassou-Nguesso and son of the late Omar Bongo, represents a fragile link between the two capitals. He reportedly met with former President Ali Bongo and other members of the former Gabonese presidential family in Paris before the inauguration. His relationship with Oligui Nguema is described as delicate, and he is preparing for his marriage in Libreville, further symbolizing the complex ties between the two nations amidst ongoing diplomatic friction.
Twenty years after his first collection, Éric Joël Békalé has released "Le voleur de rêves II" through LAHA editions. This work features nine dense tales, presented with elegant prose and a strong sense of local tradition, blending ancestral heritage with literary artistry. The book draws readers into its narratives, such as "L’enfant du lac," which tells the story of Ekome-Avome in the village of Aboumzok, whose destiny changes after a nganga prescribes a herbal mixture. Békalé explores Gabonese mythological traditions, from the issiki to the Komo River, using terms like Iboga, Mvett, Mekaga, Issiki, and Malamba, which are integral to a worldview where the invisible is as real as the tangible. The final tale, "C’est la fin qui compte," set in Nzamaligué, depicts a rivalry between two brothers, Ayeme-Nzame and Abene-Nzame, which is resolved by nature itself when the Komo River floods. Notably, Békalé also illustrated the book with expressive drawings that enhance the text. Éric Joël Békalé, an itinerant ambassador for cultural diplomacy, re-elected president of UDEG, and vice-president of PAWA for Central Africa, is a statesman and a man of letters with around thirty published works. "Le voleur de rêves II" is 106 pages long and is available in Libreville bookstores.
The Gabonese Food Safety Agency Agasa announced the results of a national inspection of fermented cassava sales points on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. At the PK8 market, 12 out of 13 workshops inspected were closed due to serious health standard violations. Agasa's nationwide control operation revealed numerous deficiencies in the commercialization of fermented cassava, a staple for many Gabonese. The situation at the PK8 market was deemed critical, leading to the closure of nearly all workshops due to multiple irregularities and health risks to consumers. Agasa's inspection teams found unsuitable storage conditions, poor hygiene in handling and distribution areas, and the use of low-quality bags. Additionally, runoff water was present in storage areas, promoting product contamination, and the fermented cassava paste was inadequately packaged. Agasa stated that these shortcomings pose a direct threat to public health, exposing consumers to contamination and food spoilage risks. By closing almost all workshops at PK8, the agency aims to penalize industry players and firmly remind them to comply with current health standards. Agasa also urged all operators to immediately conform to regulatory requirements.